Bishop hits condom 'testing' campaign

MANILA, Philippines - Bishop Emeritus Teodoro Bacani of Novaliches, Quezon City criticized yesterday a condom manufacturer for a promotional campaign in which the firm seeks “condom testers” for its range of products.

Bacani said many people, particularly those facing financial difficulties, would be lured into applying to be a condom tester. Durex would then choose a winner, who stands to received P50,000, from among 500 testers.

“The Catholic Church has always been vocal of its objection to the use of condoms for contraceptive purposes. We are also against these forms of publicity. I do not think that we need to encourage in any way such gimmicks and initiatives for commercial purposes,” he said.

Bacani said even if Durex entertains only married people as testers, the Catholic Church is still against the idea. He also appealed to the public not to be tempted by the free products and the offer of a reward.

On the website www.durexcondomtesters.com.ph, the condom manufacturer stated that the qualified testers – who should be married Filipinos between 21 and 35 years old – would be given a month to try out Durex condom variants and then comment on their quality. The application period will run up to Feb. 25.